Interactive combat gaming system

ABSTRACT

A controller for use in an interactive gaming system is described. The controller comprising a player mounting means, a motion detector that provides a means for determining the motion of the controller and an audio code communication module. The audio code communication module provides a means for generating an audio code signal in response to a detected, predetermined motion of the controller. The audio code signals for the controller can be embedded within normal audio output of a gaming system and thereafter be employed to activate a multitude of features within the games. The gaming system may comprise an opponent based on an electronic game running on a computer device or a second controller worn by a second player. The gaming system may further comprise one or more power up toys that provide additional combat moves for the one or more participants.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No.15/302,919, filed Oct. 7, 2016 (Attorney Docket No. 29617.36) andentitled INTERACTIVE COMBAT GAMING SYSTEM, which is a National StageApplication of PCT/GB2015/051076, filed Apr. 8, 2015 and entitledINTERACTIVE COMBAT GAMING SYSTEM, which claims the priority of UnitedKingdom patent application 1406341.6, filed on Apr. 8, 2014; the entiredisclosures of which are each incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD Description

The present invention relates to the field of interactive toys andplaythings. In particular, an interactive combat gaming system isdescribed that provides a means for one or more players to take part innon-contact combat.

Background of the Invention

Paintball and laser tag are two examples of interactive combat gamingsystems known in the art.

Paintball involves players competing, individually or in teams, toeliminate opponents by tagging them with capsules containing watersoluble dye (referred to as paintballs) propelled from a device called apaintball marker (commonly referred to as a paintball gun). Games can beplayed in indoor or outdoor arenas of varying sizes. An arena istypically scattered with natural or artificial terrain, which playerscan use for tactical cover. Because of the velocity at which thepaintball gun can project the paintballs all players are required towear masks or goggles at all times on the arena. Even with these safetymeasures there exists a significant risk of pain and injury for theplayers taking part.

Paintball games can also result in the staining of the players' clothesand exposed areas of skin.

A cleaner, lower risk alternative to paintball is laser tag. Laser taggames again employ the use hand guns but instead of projectingpaintballs to tag a target these guns emit a laser and an infraredsignal tracker. The visible laser is only used for targeting and effect,and in an indoor area it is the infrared tracker that relays informationevery time the laser is fired. This information can then be collected bya central computer which allocates hits to the player who fired thelaser and hits a target. Targets typically comprise infrared receiverscarried by the other players participating in the game.

It is an object of an embodiment of the present invention to provide analternative interactive combat gaming system which obviates or mitigatesone or more drawbacks or disadvantages of the above described prior art.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided acontroller for use in an interactive gaming system the controllercomprising a player mounting means, a motion detector that provides ameans for determining the motion of the controller and an audio codecommunication module wherein the audio code communication moduleprovides a means for generating an audio code signal in response to adetected, predetermined motion of the controller.

The controller allows audio codes to be generated in response topredetermined moves performed by the player e.g. combat moves performedby the movement of a player's arms or legs. Audio code technology is arobust but cost effective technology which usually operates at or abovethe normal high frequency range easily heard by humans. This has theadvantage that it allows the communication signals for the controller tobe embedded within normal audio output of a gaming system and thereafterbe employed to activate a multitude of features within the games.

The controller may comprise one or more connection sockets. Theconnection sockets provide a means for hardwiring other components tothe controller.

Preferably the generated audio code signal is emitted wirelessly fromthe controller.

The player mounting means may comprise a mounting means selected from agroup comprising a wrist cuff, a glove, a leg brace and an ankle brace.

Preferably the motion detector comprises a linear acceleration sensorand a microprocessor. The microprocessor may be configured to operate asan internal state machine for the controller. The employment of theinternal state machine improves the determination of the motion of thecontroller.

Most preferably the audio code communication module provides a means forthe controller to receive audio code signals.

The audio code communication module may comprise an audio codec module,an audio code speaker and an audio code detector (e.g. a microphone).

Most preferably the controller further comprises one or more speakers.The speakers provide a means for the controller to generate sound inresponse to the predetermined detected motion. Preferably the controllerfurther comprises one or more visual displays. The visual displays maycomprise one or more lights and or one or more display panels. Thevisual displays provide a means for the controller to generate visualoutput in response to the predetermined detected motion.

The controller may comprise one or more wireless communication modules.The wireless communication modules provide a means for wirelesscommunication with other components of a gaming system.

Optionally the one or more wireless communication modules comprise aninfrared communication module. Alternatively, the one or more wirelesscommunication modules comprise a radio wave module.

The controller may comprise one or more operation activation means. Theone or more operation activation means may comprise a mechanical,optical or capacitive switch.

The controller may comprise one or more vibrators. The one or morevibrators may be connected to the controller via one or more connectionsockets. The one or more vibrators provide a means for providing avibration-responsive game.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is providedan interactive combat gaming system for a first player the combat gamingsystem comprising one or more controllers in accordance with the firstaspect of the present invention.

Optionally the gaming system further comprises an opponent for the firstplayer generated by an electronic game running on a computer device.

Alternatively, the gaming system further comprises an opponent for thefirst player comprising a robot. In the present invention the term robotrefers to hardware that comprises a second audio code communicationmodule and optionally a second wireless communication module e.g. aninfrared communication module and or a radio wave module.

In a yet further alternative the gaming system comprises an opponent forthe first player comprising one or more controllers in accordance withthe first aspect of the invention located on a second player.

Most preferably the gaming system further comprises one or more power uptoys that provide additional combat moves for the one or morecontrollers.

The power up toys may comprise an electrical circuit the resistance orimpedance of which defines an impedance code. The impedance codeprovides a means for identifying the power up toy. Such a power up toyis preferably connected to the computer device by a toy interface.

Alternatively the power up toys may comprise a third audio codecommunication module configured to generate a power up audio code signalin response to the detection of a predetermined audio code signal.

Preferably the generated power up audio code signal is emittedwirelessly from the power up toy.

The predetermined audio code signal may be generated by a controller.

Alternatively, the predetermined audio code signal may be generated bythe electronic game running on the computer device.

In a yet further alternative the predetermined audio code signal may begenerated by the robot. Optionally, the predetermined audio code signalis generated by a television or on-line television or on-line broadcast.The predetermined audio code signals may be stored on a media storagee.g. disc, memory stick etc.

The power up toys may comprise figural toys or non-figural toys.

Embodiments of the second aspect of the invention may include one ormore features of the first aspect of the invention or its embodiments,or vice versa.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided amethod of generating an audio code signal from a controller the methodcomprising:

-   -   determining a first motion of the controller;    -   comparing the determined first motion of the controller with a        first predefined set of one or more combat moves;    -   generating an audio code signal when the determined first motion        matches one of the combat moves of the first predefined set.

Most preferably the generated audio code signal comprises a unique audiocode signal assigned to the one or more combat moves.

Preferably the generated audio code signal is emitted wirelessly.

The method may further comprise:

-   -   determining a second motion of the controller;    -   comparing the determined second motion of the controller with a        second predefined set of one or more combat moves.

Embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention may comprisefeatures to implement the preferred or optional features of the first orsecond aspects of the invention or vice versa.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provideda method of interactive combating with an opponent the method comprisinggenerating one or more audio code signals from a controller.

Most preferably the method of generating one or more audio code signalsfrom a controller comprises the method in accordance with the thirdaspect of the invention.

The method may further comprise generating one or more second signalsfrom the controller.

The one or more second signals may comprise an infrared signal or aradio wave signal.

Preferably the method further comprises receiving one or more power upfor the controller in response to the one or more generated audio codes.

Embodiments of the fourth aspect of the present invention may comprisefeatures to implement the preferred or optional features of the first tothird aspects of the invention or vice versa.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

There will now be described, by way of example only, various embodimentsof the invention with reference to the drawings, of which:

FIG. 1 presents an isomeric view of a controller in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention:

FIG. 2 presents a block diagram illustrating a structure of thecontroller of FIG. 1:

FIG. 3 presents a schematic representation of a first interactive combatgaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention:

FIG. 4 presents a state machine diagram outlining the method of play forthe interactive combat gaming system of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 presents a schematic representation of a second interactivecombat gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 6 presents a schematic representation of a third interactive combatgaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

In the description which follows, like parts are marked throughout thespecification and drawings with the same reference numerals. Thedrawings are not necessarily to scale and the proportions of certainparts have been exaggerated to better illustrate details and features ofembodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A description of a controller 1 for use within an interactive combatgaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present inventionwill now be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. In particularFIG. 1 presents an isometric view of the controller 1 as seen from thetop rear side thereof, while FIG. 2 presents a block diagramrepresentation of the controller 1.

The controller 1 can be seen to comprise a mounting means in the form ofa wrist cuff 2 attached to which is disk-shaped housing 3 formed byplastic moulding or the like. In use, it is intended that a player putson the wrist cuff 2 such that the disk-shaped housing 3 locates on topof their wrist area. It will however be appreciated by the skilledreader that the wrist cuff 2 mounting means could be worn in a differentmanner, or be replaced by a glove or even a leg or ankle brace.

On the top surface of the housing 3 are located two display panels 4 aand 4 b. The display panels 4 a and 4 b may be seven segment LEDdisplays and may be employed during game play to display a range ofgaming parameters e.g. health, powering up of weapons etc.

Surrounding the display panels 4 a and 4 b is a first light 5. The firstlight 5 comprises an LED 6 a that is optically coupled to a circularlight guide 7. The circular light guide 7 is arranged such that thedisplay panels 4 a and 4 b are located centrally within its perimeter.

Located outside of the perimeter of the first light 5 are three furtherlights 8, 9 and 10. Each of the second 8, third 9 and fourth lights 10comprises an LED 6 b, 6 c, 6 d that is optically coupled to anarc-shaped light guide 11 a, 11 b and 11 c, respectively. The arc-shapedlight guides 11 a, 11 b and 11 c are all arranged to be concentric withthe circular light guide 7.

Various components of the controller 1 can be seen to be located on theside face of the housing 3. These components include a number ofoperation buttons 12 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 1) a connectionsocket 13, and four speakers 14 (only two of which are shown in FIG. 1).The connection socket 13 may be a USB socket or 32-pin edge connectorand is employed to provide a means for engaging and connecting thecontroller 1 with a connection cable (not shown) so as to allow thecontroller 1 to be hardwired to a separate component of the gamingsystem (as described in further detail below).

A transmitter and receiving means 15 (further details of which aredescribed below) is located on the top surface of the wrist cuff 2 so asto define a distal end of the controller 1.

A second operation button 16 can also be seen on the top surface of thewrist cuff 2, located between the housing 3 and the transmitter andreceiving unit 15. The operation buttons 12 and or the second operationbutton 16 may comprise a mechanical, optical or capacitive switch.

In order to assist with the following specific description, a coordinatesystem for the controller 1 is presented in FIG. 1. Specifically, thelongitudinal direction of the wrist cuff 2, i.e. the front-reardirection of the controller 1, is set as a Z-axis direction. A directiontowards the distal end of the controller 1 is set as a positive Z-axisdirection. The up-to-down direction of the controller 1 is set as aY-axis direction. A direction towards the housing 3 of the controller 1is set as a positive Y-axis direction. The left-right direction of thecontroller 1 is set as an X-axis direction. A direction toward a leftside of the positive Z-axis direction is set as a positive X-axisdirection.

Further details of the components of the controller 1 can be seen inFIG. 2. The controller 1 preferably comprises a motion detector thatincludes a three-axis, linear acceleration sensor 17 that detects linearacceleration in three directions, i.e., the up/down direction (Y-axisshown in FIG. 1), the left/right direction (X-axis shown in FIG. 1), andthe forward/backward direction (Z-axis shown in FIG. 1). Alternatively,a two axis linear accelerometer that only detects linear accelerationalong each of the X-axis and Y-axis (or other pair of axes) may be usedin another embodiment depending on the type of control signals desired.Preferably, the acceleration sensor 17 is an electrostatic capacitanceor capacitance-coupling type that is based on silicon micro-machinedMEMS technology. However, any other suitable accelerometer technology(e.g., piezoelectric type, piezoresistance type or a mechanical weightbased type, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,461,468 B2) may be used toprovide the three-axis or two-axis linear acceleration sensor 17.

As is known to those skilled in the art, the linear acceleration sensor17 is capable of detecting acceleration along a straight linecorresponding to each axis of the acceleration sensor 17 i.e. the directoutput of the acceleration sensor 17 is limited to signals indicative oflinear acceleration (static or dynamic) along each of the two or threeaxes thereof. However, as is also known in the art, further processingof the output signals from the acceleration sensor 17 provides a meansfor the acceleration sensor 17 to detect movement along a non-linear(e.g. arcuate) path, rotation, rotational movement, angulardisplacement, tilt, position, attitude or any other physical movement ofthe controller 1. In the presently described embodiment the processingis done within a microcomputer 18 although it will be appreciated by theskilled reader that this process could easily be relayed to an externalCPU for processing e.g. via a wireless communication module 19. Thus thecombination of the acceleration sensor 17 and the microcomputer 18provide a means for determining the precise movement of the controller1. This information may be stored with a dedicated memory unit 20 duringprocessing.

The controller 1 further comprises various other communication modules.The first communication module is the previously mentioned transmitterand receiving means 15 which in the presently described embodiment is inthe form of an audio code communication module comprising an audio codecmodule 21 connected to a speaker 14 a a microphone 22 and themicrocomputer 18. The audio codec module 21 provides a means forencoding analogue audio as a digital signal and decoding digital signalsback to into analogue. When combined with the speaker 14 a and themicrophone 22 the audio codec module 21 provides a means for thecontroller 1 to transmit and receive audio code signals, as representedby reference numeral 23. The generated audio code signals have afrequency in the range of 16 kHz-24 kHz i.e. above that normally able tobe easily heard by the game players. In the presently describedembodiments the audio code signals are generated at a frequency of17.2-18.8 kHz.

Another communication module comprises the speakers 14. In the presentlydescribed embodiment there are four speakers, connected to themicrocomputer 18. The speakers 14 provide a means for the controller 1to emit sound in the 20 Hz to 16 kHz frequency range i.e. the normaleasily heard frequency range for the game players.

In a similar manner the microcomputer 18 can be seen to control theoutput of the LEDs 6 a, 6 b, 6 c and 6 d.

The controller 1 may also comprise an infrared communication module 24.This module 24 provides the controller with the means to transmit andreceive infrared signals, as generally depicted by reference numeral 25.In particular, the infrared communication module 24 comprises aninfrared detector 26 and an infrared transmitter 27, both of which areconnected to the microcomputer 18. In an alternative embodiment, theinfrared detector 26 communicates with the microcomputer 18 via thewireless communication module 19. In such an embodiment the infrareddetector 26 can be located outside of the housing 3 and thus mountedelsewhere on the player e.g. on a shoulder mount or on a chest plate. Ina yet further alternative embodiment, the externally mounted infrareddetector 26 could be hardwired to the microcomputer 18 via theconnection socket 13.

The infrared detector 26 may be a solid-state imaging device such as aphoto diode or a photo transistor. An infrared filter 28, and optionallya lens 29, are located at the distal end of the infrared detector 26 soas to provide a means to allow only infrared light to be incident uponthe infrared detector 26. Accordingly, the infrared detector 26 detectsan image of only the infrared light which has passed through theinfrared filter 28 and generates image data. The image data generated bythe infrared detector 26 is then processed by the microcomputer 18. Theinfrared transmitter 27 may comprises an infrared LED or diode laser.The microcomputer 18 provides a means for encoding the infrared signal25 generated by the infrared transmitter 27 which then propagates fromthe controller 1.

An operation module 30 connected to the microcomputer 18 is alsopresented in FIG. 2. This component represents the interaction of theoperation buttons 12 and 16 with the rest of the controller 1. Forexample, the first operation button 12 may be assigned the function ofpowering up and down the controller 1 by selectively connecting a powersource 31 to the microcomputer 18. When the second operation button 16is activated this is indicative of a player placing their hand on thetop of the wrist cuff 2. This may allow additional combat moves to beaccessed by the player, as described in further detail below.

A vibrator 32 attached to the microcomputer 18 is also located withinthe housing 3. The vibrator 32 may be, for example, a vibration motor ora solenoid. The controller 1 can therefore be vibrated by an actuationof the vibrator 32, and the vibration is conveyed to the player wearingthe controller 1. Thus, a so-called vibration-responsive game can berealised. In an alternative embodiment, the vibrator 32 may communicatewith the microcomputer 18 via the wireless communication module 19. Insuch an embodiment the vibrator 32 can be located outside of the housing3 and thus mounted elsewhere on the player e.g. on a chest plate. In ayet further alternative embodiment, the externally mounted vibrator 32could be hardwired to the microcomputer 18 via the connection socket 13.

Interactive Combat Gaming Systems

A first gaming system, depicted generally by reference numeral 33 inFIG. 3, will now be described. This gaming system 33 can be seen tocomprise the controller 1 worn by a player 34 which is intended tointeract with software that is running on a computer device via audiocode signals 23. The software may for example be an electronic game runon a computer 35 e.g. a desk top computer, a laptop computer, a tabletdevice, a palm top device or a mobile phone device.

The gaming system 33 further comprises three power up a figural toyswhich fall into two distinct types: a basic power up toy 36 and deluxepower up toys 37 and 38.

The basic power up toy 36 incorporates a simple electrical circuit 39having a known resistance or impedance which defines an impedance code.The electrical circuit 39 may for example comprise a single resistor ora resistor-capacitor combination. The impedance code thus provides ameans for identifying the basic power up toy 36. The basic power up toy36 requires a toy interface 40 to allow it to be connected to thecomputer 35. The toy interface 40 is employed to pass a current throughthe electrical circuit 39 so as to provide a means for identifying themodel of figural toy 36 present i.e. the measured current is directlydependent on the inherent resistance or impedance. This information ispassed to the electronic game which then transmits an associated audiocode signal 23 so as to announce the presence of the particular basicpower up toy 36 to the other components of the gaming system 33.

The deluxe power up toys 37 and 38 differ from the basic power up toy 36in that they contain their own power source 41, microcomputer 42, audiocode communications module 21 b and so are capable of directlytransmitting and receiving audio codes. Therefore, the deluxe power uptoys 37 and 38 do not require to be connected to the computer 35 inorder for their presence to be announced to the remaining components ofthe gaming system 33.

The operation of the first gaming system 33 will now be described withreference to the state machine diagram of FIG. 4.

The first state (designated by a single asterisk ‘*’) for the controller1 occurs once it has been powered up, typically by activating operationbutton 12. The speakers 14 may play a sound way at this time indicativeof the “powered up” state of the controller 1 and or the controller 1may emit an audio code signal 23 so as announce the presence of thecontroller 1 to the rest of components of the gaming system 33. While inthis first state the controller 1 is looking for a 1 “ready to fight”symbol or a “power up” symbol to be made by the motion of the controller1.

In order to commence interactive combat the player 34 must activate the“ready to fight” symbol e.g. by making the controller 1 move in a rapidup and down motion by making a punching action into the air. At thisstage the speakers 14 may play a sound way indicative of the “ready tofight” state of the controller 1 and or the controller 1 may emit anaudio code signal 23 so as to activate a fight mode within theelectronic game running on the computer 35. The lights 5, 8, 9 and 10may also be activate in a pre-programmed display.

The controller 1 then moves to a combat state (designated by a doubleasterisk ‘**’ where it is looking for a combat move selected from afirst predefined set of combat moves to be performed by the player 34.In the presently described embodiment this predefined set of combatmoves comprises a WINDMILL, RABBIT, SHIELD, PUNCH or RESET move. By wayof example only, the player 34 may choose to move their arm in the formof a large circular motion e.g. a WINDMILL attack. The combination ofthe acceleration sensor 17 and the microcomputer 18 allows thecontroller 1 to recognise this motion and thus generate an audio codesignal 23 representative of this attack. The controller 1 then moves onto the next state where an audio code signal 23 representative of thisattack is transmitted from the controller 1. At this time the speakers14 may also play a sound way indicative of this particular attack and orthe lights 5, 8, 9 and 10 may be activate in a pre-programmed display.The controller then returns to the combat state ‘**’ where it looks forthe next combat action of the player 34.

If the audio code signal 23 representative of this attack is incident onthe computer 35, then the electronic game reacts as appropriate to suchan attack. The electronic game will also be generating its own attacksand transmitting an associated audio code signal 43 in a similar mannerto that described above. If the audio code signal 43 transmitted by thecomputer 35 is incident upon the antenna 22 of the controller 1 then theappropriate action is taken by the microcomputer 18 e.g. the speakers 14play a sound way indicative of this particular attack; the lights 5, 8,9 and 10 may be caused to flash in a particular sequence, the displaypanels 4 a and 4 b may also be updated to show the present health of theplayer.

It will be appreciated by the skilled reader that the amount of energycontained within an combat motion may depend on the particular motioninvolved and be of a predetermined value. Typically combat motions thattake longer to perform, and thus are harder to execute, are rewardedwith a higher attack level. There may also be a power regeneration timesuch that the time between combat motions dictates how much energy isavailable for that next attack. In addition, one or more combat motionsmay simply act as a shield to protect the player against an opponent'sattack. The one or more of the shield motions may be employed to deflectan attack onto another player or to even reflect the attack back on theopponent from whom it was originally generated.

The interactive combat continues as detailed above until the player 34is either victorious or defeated. The speakers 14 may then play a soundway indicative of this result. The player can return to the first state‘*’ at any time during a battle, or subsequent to a battle, by movingthe controller 1 through the predetermined RESET motion e.g. a moveright to left followed by a move left to right.

Before moving to the combat state ‘**’ a player 34 may choose toactivate a power up provided in the presently described embodiment byone of the power up toys 36, 37 or 38. This is achieved by the playeractivating the “power up” symbol e.g. by moving the controller 1 in acircular motion. At this stage the speakers 14 may play a sound wayindicative of the “looking for a power up” state of the controller 1,the controller 1 may emit an audio code signal 23 so as to activate thepower up toys 36, 37 or 38 present within the gaming system 33 and orthe lights 5, 8, 9 and 10 may be activated in a pre-programmed display.

The controller 1 is then in a first power up state 44 where it islooking for a combat move selected from a second predefined set ofcombat moves to be performed by the player 34. The second predefined setof combat moves may comprise a ZED, VERTICAL, SQUARE, RESET of CIRCLEmotion of the controller 1. If the player 34 then moves the controller 1in the required sequence they will be able to access the power upprovided by the power up toys 36, 37 or 38 provided that it is presentlyavailable within the gaming system 33.

By way of example only, the presently described gaming system 33requires three separate motions of the controller 1 in order to obtain adesired power up.

The first involves the player 34 choosing to move the controller 1 in aZED, VERTICAL or SQUARE motion in order to move the controller 1 fromthe first power up state 44 to one of three, second power up states 45a, 45 b or 45 c. At this stage the speakers 14 may play a sound wayindicative of the ZED, VERTICAL or SQUARE motion, the controller 1 mayemit an audio code signal 23 so as to alert the respective power up toy36, 37 or 38 that it may need to transmit a response audio code signal46 and or the lights 5, 8, 9 and 10 may be activated in a pre-programmeddisplay.

Once in the second power up states 45 a, 45 b or 45 c the controller 1is again looking for a combat move selected from a second predefined setof combat moves to be performed by the player 34. In the presentlydescribed embodiment the controller 1 is only able to move on to thenext state if the player 34 performs a CIRCLE motion upon thecomptroller 1. If the controller detects the CIRCLE motion then it moveson to one of three, third power up states 47 a, 47 b or 47 c. Thespeakers 14 may play a sound way indicative of the CIRCLE motion, and orthe controller 1 may emit an audio code signal 23 so as to alert therespective power up toy 36, 37 or 38 that it may need to transmit aresponse audio code signal 46, and or the lights 5, 8, 9 and 10 may beactivated in a pre-programmed display. If the CIRCLE motion is notcompleted correctly then the controller 1 remains in the second power upstates 45 a, 45 b or 45 c and the speakers 14 may play a sound wayinductive of the ERROR.

The third motion required to obtain the desired power up is for theplayer 34 to move the controller along the positive Z-axis by performinga horizontal punch i.e. they are expected to punch through the circlecreated while in the second power up states 45 a, 45 b or 45 c. If thismotion is successfully carried out then the controller 1 emits an audiocode signal 23 to the respective power up toy 36, 37 or 38 instructingit to provide its power up function to the player 34. The power upfunction is provided by the power up toy 36, 37 or 38 through thetransmission of the power up toy's audio code 46, for deluxe toys 37 or38, or through the computer audio code 43 for the basic power up toy 36.The power up may take the form of increased attack strength, increasedhealth for the player, new attacks moves or the opening of new featureswithin the electronic game, to name but a few examples.

The player 34 can again return to the first state ‘*’ at any time duringthe “power up” states by again moving the controller 1 through thepredetermined RESET motion e.g. a move right to left followed by a moveleft to right.

The gaming system 33 may comprise other additional non-figural power uptoys presented schematically in FIG. 3. For example, a play weapon 48 inthe form of a sword, a shield 49 and a helmet 50 are shown. Like thedeluxe power up toys 37 and 38, these components 48, 49 and 50preferably comprises a power source 51, microcomputer 52, audiocommunications module 21 c and so are capable of directly transmittingand receiving audio codes 53. The non-figural power up toys 48, 49 and50 can therefore communicate wirelessly with the controller 1.Alternatively, one or more of these components 48, 49 and 50 could behardwired to the controller via the connection socket 13.

As will be appreciated by the skilled reader the sword 48, shield 49 andhelmet 50 may be employed to increase the playing features of the gamingsystem 33. For example, the sword may allow for increased attacks forthe player 34 while the shield 49 and or the helmet 50 may offerincreased health to a player 34.

In addition, the helmet 50 may further comprise a mobile device cradle54 suitable for receiving a mobile device 55 e.g. a mobile phone. Themobile device cradle 54 is arranged such that the mobile device 55 canbe employed to provide a heads up display (HUD) on a visor ortransparent screen 56 of the helmet 50. This may be achieved via an apprunning on the mobile device 55. The app may also allow the mobiledevice 55 to provide an alternative communication means for the gamingsystem 33 e.g. between two players 34 both wearing a helmet 50 with amobile device 55 mounted thereon.

One or more of the above described additional combat components 48, 49and 50 may further comprise lights and or speakers so as to providealternative sources of audio and visual content for the gaming system33.

A second interactive combat gaming system, depicted generally byreference numeral 57 in FIG. 5, will now be described. This gamingsystem 57 can be seen to comprise many of the components describe abovewith relation to the first gaming system 33 of FIG. 3 and therefore thesame components have been depicted with the same reference numerals.However, in the second gaming system 57, the computer device 35 has beenreplaced with a robot type opponent, depicted generally by referencenumeral 58. The term robot refers generally to hardware that comprises asecond audio code communication module and optionally a second wirelesscommunication module e.g. an infrared communication module and or aradio wave module. In the presently described embodiment, the robot 58comprises a housing 3 b similar to that described in detail above withrespect to the controller 1. As a result the player 34 wearing thecontroller 1 is able to combat interactively with the robot 58 via audiocode signals 23 in a similar manner to that described above with respectto the software running on the computer device 35. This embodiment hasthe advantage that it is more flexible to deploy. In addition, the robot58 may comprise movement means 59, e.g. a walking mechanism as describedin UK patent number GB 2,484,352 B and so can move independently of theplayer 34, thus adding to the overall gaming experience.

The gaming system 57 may be further adapted to work with a television oron-line broadcast, as depicted generally by reference numeral 60. Thetelevision or on-line broadcast may be in the form of a children'sprogramme having normal video and audio but in the presently describedembodiment the television or on-line audio further comprises an audiocode signal 61. The audio code signal 61 can again be employed to add tothe overall gaming experience by allowing predetermined events withinthe TV programme to influence the interactive combat, for example:

-   -   1) To make the one or more of the power up toys 36, 37 or 38        respond to the broadcast e.g. flashing lights, generating sound        or movement; or    -   2) To make one or more of the additional combat components e.g.        the weapon 48, shield 49 or helmet 50 to respond to the        broadcast e.g. flashing lights or generating sound.    -   3) Providing the player 34 or robot 58 with an additional power        up or combat handicap;    -   4) Removing from the player 34 the facility of a power up toy        36, 37 or 38; or    -   5) Removing from the player 34 the facility of one of the        additional add components e.g. the weapon 48, shield 49 or        helmet 50.

A third interactive combat gaming system, depicted generally byreference numeral 62 in FIG. 6, will now be described. This gamingsystem 62 can be seen to comprise many of the components describe abovewith relation to the first gaming system 33 of FIG. 3 and the secondgaming system 57 of FIG. 5, therefore the same components have beendepicted with the same reference numerals. However, in this gamingsystem 57, combat opponent is a second player 34 b wearing a secondcombat controller 1 b. As a result the player 34 wearing the controller1 is able to combat interactively with the second player 34 wearing thesecond controller 1 b. In order to facilitate the interactive combat itis preferable for the direct communication between the controllers 1 and1 b to be performed by the infrared communication modules 24 and 24 b.

The interactive combat gaming system described above offer a number ofadvantages over those described in the prior art. The first advantageresides in the fact that the primary communication means between thevarious components of the gaming systems is based on audio code signals.Audio code technology is a robust but cost effective technology whichoperates above the normal frequency range for human hearing. This allowsthe communication signals to be embedded within normal audio output ofthe gaming system and thereafter be employed to activate a multitude offeatures within the games. This arrangement means the gaming systems areextremely flexible. For example the described technology can be employedwith gaming software adapted to run on stranded computer devices andgames consoles, with bespoke stand alone components e.g. combat robotsand with traditional broadcasting technology e.g. traditional televisionor on-line broadcasts that have been adapted to include audio codesignals.

The described motion sensitive controllers can also be employed withinperson to person interactive combat games where predetermined combatmotions performed by the players activate associated attacks and ordefense moves. This significantly increases the game play options whencompared with traditional paintball and laser tag gaming systems.

The audio code based technology also provides an ideal means for thedescribed gaming systems to incorporate additional components e.g. powerup toys, armour and weapons.

A controller for use in an interactive gaming system is described. Thecontroller comprising a player mounting means, a motion detector thatprovides a means for determining the motion of the controller and anaudio code communication module. The audio code communication moduleprovides a means for generating an audio code signal in response to adetected, predetermined motion of the controller. The audio code signalsfor the controller can be embedded within normal audio output of agaming system and thereafter be employed to activate a multitude offeatures within the games. The gaming system may comprise an opponentbased on an electronic game running on a computer device or a secondcontroller worn by a second player. The gaming system may furthercomprise one or more power up toys that provide additional combat movesfor the one or more participants.

The foregoing description of the invention has been presented forpurposes of illustration and description and is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Thedescribed embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explainthe principles of the invention and its practical application to therebyenable others skilled in the art to best utilise the invention invarious embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated. Therefore, further modifications orimprovements may be incorporated without departing from the scope of theinvention as defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is: 1) A controller for use in an interactive gamingsystem, the controller being configured to be worn by a player andcomprising a player mounting means, a motion detector that provides ameans for determining the motion of the controller, a microprocessor andan audio code communication module, wherein the audio code communicationmodule comprises an audio codec module connected to a speaker and amicrophone, to provide a means for the controller to transmit andreceive audio code signals, wherein the audio code communication moduleprovides a means for generating an audio code signal in response to apredetermined motion of the controller detected by the microprocessor incombination with the motion detector, the audio code signal adapted tobe embedded within normal audio output by operating above the normalfrequency range for human hearing, and wherein the generated audio codesignal comprises a unique audio code signal assigned to thepredetermined motion, the predetermined motion being from a predefinedset of motions to be performed by the player. 2) The controller asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the player mounting means comprises amounting means selected from a group comprising a wrist cuff, a glove, aleg brace and an ankle brace. 3) The controller as claimed in claim 1,wherein the motion detector comprises a linear acceleration sensor. 4)The controller as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller furthercomprises one or more visual displays, wherein the visual displayscomprise at least one of (i) one or more lights and (ii) one or moredisplay panels. 5) The controller as claimed in claim 1, wherein thecontroller further comprises one or more wireless communication moduleswherein the one or more wireless communication modules comprise at leastone of (i) an infrared communication module and (ii) a radio wavemodule. 6) The controller as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controllerfurther comprises one or more operation activation means, wherein theone or more operation activation means comprise a mechanical, optical orcapacitive switch. 7) The controller as claimed in claim 1, wherein thecontroller further comprises one or more vibrators. 8) The controller asclaimed in claim 7, wherein the one or more vibrators are connected tothe controller via one or more connection sockets. 9) An interactivecombat gaming system for a first player comprising one or morecontrollers as claimed in claim 1, at least one of (i) a computer deviceand (ii) a robot, wherein the one or more controllers interacts withsoftware running on the at least one of the computer device and therobot via the audio code signals. 10) The interactive combat gamingsystem as claimed in claim 9, wherein the robot comprises at least oneof (i) a second audio code communication module and (ii) a wirelesscommunication module. 11) The interactive combat gaming system asclaimed in claim 9, wherein the gaming system further comprises one ormore power up toys, wherein the power up toys comprise: an electricalcircuit the resistance or impedance of which defines an impedance code,providing a means for identifying the power up toy; and a power source,microcomputer, and an audio code communications module to directlytransmit and receive audio codes. 12) The controller as claimed in claim2, wherein the motion detector comprises a linear acceleration sensor.13) The controller as claimed in claim 2, wherein the controller furthercomprises one or more visual displays, wherein the visual displayscomprise at least one of (i) one or more lights and (ii) one or moredisplay panels. 14) The controller as claimed in claim 3, wherein thecontroller further comprises one or more visual displays, wherein thevisual displays comprise at least one of (i) one or more lights and (ii)one or more display panels. 15) The controller as claimed in claim 2,wherein the controller further comprises one or more wirelesscommunication modules wherein the one or more wireless communicationmodules comprise at least on of (i) an infrared communication module and(ii) a radio wave module. 16) The controller as claimed in claim 3,wherein the controller further comprises one or more wirelesscommunication modules wherein the one or more wireless communicationmodules comprise at least one of (i) an infrared communication moduleand (ii) a radio wave module. 17) The controller as claimed in claim 4,wherein the controller further comprises one or more wirelesscommunication modules wherein the one or more wireless communicationmodules comprise at least one of (i) an infrared communication moduleand (ii) a radio wave module. 18) The controller as claimed in claim 2,wherein the controller further comprises one or more operationactivation means, wherein the one or more operation activation meanscomprise a mechanical, optical or capacitive switch. 19) The controlleras claimed in claim 2, wherein the controller further comprises one ormore vibrators. 20) The interactive combat gaming system as claimed inclaim 10, wherein the gaming system further comprises one or more powerup toys, wherein the power up toys comprise: an electrical circuit theresistance or impedance of which defines an impedance code, providing ameans for identifying the power up toy; and a power source,microcomputer, and an audio code communications module to directlytransmit and receive audio codes.